NS improves in 2012 Newsweek Green Rankings
In the 2012 Newsweek Green Rankings, Norfolk Southern Corporation moved up 217 spots from its 2011 ranking to 181 on Newsweek’s U.S. 500 list.
Chicago-St. Louis HSR demos 110 mph speeds
The start of 110-mph rail service in Illinois was demonstrated between Dwight and Pontiac on the Chicago-St. Louis rail corridor on October 19.
Roberts Bank Corridor Combo Project underway
Construction of the Combo Project in Surrey, B.C., Canada, an investment along the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor (RBRC), is now under construction.
HDR JV selected to provide pre-AFP design for Toronto interchange station
HDR Corporation, in a joint venture with VIA Architecture, has been selected by Metrolinx to provide pre-AFP design services for the Eglinton-Yonge Light Rail Transit Interchange Station in Toronto.
Invensys Rail names Adams as VP global major projects
Invensys Rail has appointed Russell Adams as its new vice president of global major projects.
DelDOT unveils $53 million third track project
Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has now launched the Delaware Third Track Construction Project. The project involves the addition of a third track along a 1.5-mile segment between Ragan and Brandy Interlockings on the Northeast Corridor, south of Wilmington near Banning Park.
Washington UTC approves funds to improve safety at King County crossing
The state of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has approved $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) to pay for upgrades at a railroad-highway grade crossing in King County.
CN, Tundra Energy Marketing partner on crude oil car loading terminal
Canadian National and Tundra Energy Marketing Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding to construct a crude oil rail car loading terminal near Cromer, MB, Canada,
TTC and LACMTA see rise in ridership
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in Toronto, ON, Canada, has set a new 12-month ridership record. From October 3, 2011 to October 2, 2012, the TTC carried more than 510 million riders.
FRA publishes NPRM for rail inspections
The Federal Railroad Administration published a Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register Oct. 19, proposing to amend the Federal Track Safety Standards “to promote the safety of railroad operations by enhancing rail-flaw detection processes.”
NS opens Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility
Norfolk Southern has officially opened the $97.5 million Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility in McCalla, Ala.
CREATE Belmont Road grade separation completed
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn joined state and local officials and representatives of Metra and BNSF on October 17 to mark the completion of the Belmont Road grade separation project in DuPage County, Ill.
Caltrans and partners restore former L.A. Union Station tracks, platforms
On October 17, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Amtrak, Metrolink and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority celebrated the opening of three new Los Angeles Union Station tracks and a platform to serve Amtrak and Metrolink passengers.
Maryland Board of Public Works awards Bombardier operating contract for MARC’s Camden and Brunswick lines
Maryland Board of Public Works awarded a $204,686,938-contract to Bombardier Transportation for the operations and maintenance of the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) MARC Train Camden and Brunswick lines. The award will be spread over a five-year, eight-month contract term. The contract also includes a five-year renewal option, valued at $205,000,000.
Schumer: Provisional funding secured to repair damaged NY rail lines
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) said the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has provisionally committed to award $4,718,000 in federal disaster funding for the Chenango Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to move forward with the Utica Main Rail Line Revitalization project.
Railway Association of Canada names winners of the 2012 Safety Awards
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) selected the winners of the 2012 Safety Awards. The awards were presented as part of the RAC’s Canadian Rail Summit and annual meeting held in Montreal.
OneRail writes Obama and Romney campaigns urging support of rail networks
The OneRail Coalition, an alliance of freight and passenger stakeholders, has issued letters to the Obama and Romney presidential campaigns emphasizing the importance of the nation’s rail networks.
TxDOT begins Texas to Oklahoma passenger rail study
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has kicked off a two-year study to explore the possibility of passenger rail service from Oklahoma City to South Texas.
Crossings in Ohio and California to see improvements
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing CSX Transportation (CSX) and Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway (W&LE) to install flashing lights and gates at three grade crossings.
Canadian Pacific puts together new senior operations team
Canadian Pacific assembled a new senior operations team who will lead the execution of the railroad’s new service plans.